WSYR Local News

Former CNY Mercy Flight Pilot Arrested in Skanaeateles

(FBI) A former Central New York Mercy Flight pilot has been arrested for allegedly operating an aircraft without a proper pilot’s license. John Michael Dial - was arrested in Skaneateles on Monday - and was fired by EMS Air Service after 8 years. Dial is accused of using more than 2 dozen names, a half dozen social security numbers and 10 dates of birth to avoid getting caught - after losing his pilots license in the mid-90's. Mercy Flight President Neil Snedeker released a statement saying Mercy Flight and pilot provider EMS Air are both looking at their practices in light of Dial's arrest. EMS says there were no serious incidents while Dial was a pilot.

The FBI says Dial was indicted by a federal grand jury in 2012 for counts of making a false statement to federal aviation officials and one count of operating an aircraft without a proper pilot’s license.